Ana Khouri’s Sculptural Jewelry Takes the Spotlight at Phillips

Ana Khouri. Photo: Courtesy of Ana Khouri

On September 13, Phillips in New York launched the first exhibition of esteemed high jewelry Ana Khouri. Trained as a painter and sculptor, the Brazilian-born, New York-based designer has been making waves with her contemporary, structural forms. (Madonna and Jennifer Lawrence are just a few of her celebrity fans.)

With a degree in fine arts from the Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado in São Paulo, Khouri’s approach to jewelry is akin to artmaking.

From her cocktail rings to jewel-encrusted hoops that gently hug the ear, the artful pieces hover between sculpture and jewelry and call to mind the fluid, gravity-defying nature of Alexander Calder or Richard Serra.

A pair of tanzanite and diamond ‘Teresa’ earrings. Photo: Courtesy of Phillips

Another signature tenet for Khouri, whether working with ethically-sourced diamonds or colored gems, is to create wearable pieces that speak directly to the body.

“My designs are about the body’s connection to the jewelry,” says Khouri. “I am interested in the form, the essential, the lines, the relationship and connection of the piece and the body form.”

The selling exhibition features over 50 of Khouri’s haute jewelry pieces, including a never-before-seen selection, with prices ranging from $10,000 to $2 million.

A pearl and diamond ‘Mirian’ bracelet.

“Her gem canvases are feminine, unique, and engaging for those women who share her non-conventional ideology and embrace her artistic vision,” Susan Abeles, Phillips’ head of jewels in the Americas says.

Recommended: Preview the Metropolitan Museum’s Blockbuster Fall Jewelry Exhibition

Phillips is taking an interesting new direction with “Jewels Now,” its ongoing exhibition series featuring up-and-coming contemporary designers—an exciting new generation who are shaking up the old craft.

Green and blue paraiba tourmaline and diamond ‘Helena’ ear pieces.

Earlier this year, the young British talent Lauren Adriana showcased her stunning pieces in an exhibition that took place at both the New York and London spaces.

“Ana Khouri: Jewels Now” is on view at Phillips, 450 Park Ave., New York, from September 14 through 16.

A model wearing Khouri’s designs.